Film processing apparatus



L Jun 1Z c. M. TUTTLE ET Al.

FILM PROCESSING APPARATUS 6 SheetsSheet 1 led June 19, 1945 MS M 0R m weINVENTORS BY 7 7;

July 12, 1949. c. M. TUTTLE ET AL FILM PROCESSING APPARATUS 6Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 19, 1945 CLIFTON M. TUTTLE CHARLES J KUNZINVENTORS July 12, 1949. c. M. TUTTLE ETAL ZAWQQQ? FILM PROCESSINGAPPARATUS Filed June 19, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 CLIFTON M. TUTTLE CHARLESJ. KUNZ FIG. 6.

[NVENTORS A TTORNE YS July 12, 1949., c. M. TUTTLE ET AL FILM PROCESSINGAPPARATUS Filed June 19, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ix x xxxx xx A TTORNE YQJuly 12, 1949.

Filed June 19, 1945 //O VOLT A. C.

c. TUTTLE ET AL 2,476,007

FILM PROCESSING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG.12.

STEADYAUN SW.

COMP/P5550 MOTOR FYGJB.

RE VOL U T/ON ouk DEVELOPER C muR DEVElOPER FOR RINSE VAGll/MREMOVALm'cuun/rmom 0F FIXER 0F RINSE DEV to M 7' E P VACUUM REMOVAL C orDEVELOPER POURFIXER FIXING FLU/D CUP UFTED F/L M ADMNCE CLIFTONM.TUTTLECHARLES J. KUNZ INVENTORS WW xi/ y ATTORNEYS July 12, 1949. c. M. TUTTLEET AL FILM PROCESSING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 19 1945 FIG.15.

CLIFTON M. TUTTLEK CHARLES J. KUNZ INVENTORS M/ W 47 AT ORNEYS PatentedJuly 12, 1 949 UNIT ED O'FFIFC FILM PRO GE S SING- APPARATUS" Clifton M.Tut-tle andCharles=L .Kunz,.Rochester, N. Y., assignors-to' Eastman.Kodak Company, RochestenN. Y.,.a corporation ofNew Jersey ApplicationJ1me 19, 194'5', SerialiNor 600,251-- (Gll 95 -89 13. Claims.

pendingpatent application Serial- Number 600,-

250 filedon even-date herewith, now U. S: Patent 2,446,668, issuedAugust 10, 194.8, and in which we are co-inventors, the presentinvention constituting a very important part of said apparatus. Althoughthis recording apparatus was developed specifically for recording theradar images as they appear onthe cathode-ray screenof"a-radarreceivenrit will be apparent that the present invention isnotlimited to:use in connection with such a recording apparatus, but iscapable of a use independent of. such a recording apparatus or'withother types of such apparatus.

In using radar to-detect the approach of distant objects a beamof'signa-ls: is sent-out from the antennae of a transmitter and if thisbeam is intercepted by an object-it. is reflected back toward the sourceand is pickedup'by a receiver whichincludes a cathode ray tube'on whichthe received signal appears as a bright spot of light. In one radarapplication the transmitting, antennae is constantly rotated at. afixedrate through 360'degrees in azimuth,one rotation-being; referred'to as asweep,. and one sweep of the antenna makes one revolution or sweep ofthe cathoderay tube of the receiver. If during a sweep-of the antenna anobject is picked up, a

bright spot Will appearonthe cathode ray tube.

indicating-"the presence of the'object. The cathode ray tube has a' gridmade up of concentric circles and ra-diallines placed thereon, generallyelectronically, and by plottingthe point at which an object appears onthis tube by the use ofwthis grid, the direction and range ofthe'objectcan bedetermined.

Inasmuchas these cathode ray tubes arelimited in size and theimageappearing thereon is rather small, and the sweep of the tube: is: fairlyfast, it has been found that itis impossible" for one-person to viewand-take theinformation off of but alimited sector ofthe completetube'surface; For this reason it has been common practice toprovide'asmany astenor twelve cathode ray tubes on a single receiver which willeach show the signal picked up, and to have: anchserver for each tube.Each observer has only a. limited sectionof thetube face which he'has towatch, and: when an observer seesan image.

appear in his section: he.

ascertains the location of: the same as: to.- the grid lines on thetube. and relays this information:- -to a groupof plotters who then.proceed: to; plot. the object on a large plotting board: which is:antenlarged duplication of thegrid-cn the'iace ofit-hetcathode ray tube.

It was decidedthat if) it werepossible to'photographthe'surfaceiofithacathode ray tube, process the film and project theimage of the. tube onto a large screem, 7r feet by. '7: feet, that onlyone cathode ray: tube WOll-ldi'bfi requiredand all this duplicateequipmentzand the personnelnec essary tomam it wfluldtbfi' eliminated.To be of any use, such arr apparatus had to be able to photograph acomplete sweep of the tube and project. the image onto the screen almostinstant-ly, otherwise, the object being tracked would move over toogreat. a. distance during separate observations to. makethe: systempractical.

To this end, we have invented apparatus by means ofwhich-atcomplete-sweeper the cathode ray tube. of a radar receivercarrbe photographed on a iii-mm. film, the exposed. film processed inlessthan l5 seconds.;, andthe processed image projected, enlargedapproximate-1y 360times, onto a screen for observation The completecycle from the beginning of the. exposure to the time the image isprojected ontma screen takesslightly less than 30 seconds, 15 seconds ofwhich is consumed by the time of. exposurewhichv is controlled bythesweep time of the radar equipment whichis used; Theappanatusiscompletely automatic in operation so that the number of personsrequired.to: operate-itis reduced to a minimum.

Gne object of -t'hepresent' invention is to-provide apparatus byi theuse of which an exposed area of a; light-sensitive films can. beprocessed in atvery rapid. manner, actually less than 15 seconds.

Another object is to provide an apparatus for processing theexposedareaof a film'which-makes use of hot processing solutions tospeed upthe processingtime,. and. in which small measured quantities ofdifferent processing solutions are successively placed on, and; removedfrom, the exposed area of film;

Another object is to heat the solutions immediately prion to-the-.use--thereof so thatthey sufi'ernodecomposit-ion prior to their use which isdeleterious to their function.

And.- yetanother objectis: to provide an apparatus which; isparticularly: adapted for carrying out the specified method ofprocessing for the reason that it permits very close: control Qt. the

3 application, timing and removal of the processing solutions relativeto the film which is necessary for obtaining reproducible results whenusing hot processing solutions and accelerated processing timesresulting therefrom.

And still another object is to provide a processing apparatus of thetype set forth which is particularly adapted for automatic operation andassociation with a recording apparatus of the type with which it isshown in combination.

And another object is to provide a processing apparatus of the type setforth which is very efficient in operation despite the fact that it iscomparatively rugged and simple in construction.

The novel features that we consider characteristic of our invention areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. The inventionitself, however, both as to its organization and its method ofoperation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, willbest be understood from the following description of spe- Cificembodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings inwhich,

Fig. 1 is a top plan view showing a preferred embodiment of the completeapparatus,

Fig. 2 is a partial side view of the apparatus, partly in section andpartly in elevation, with the side removed, and showing the film paththrough the apparatus,

Fig. 3 is a partial plan view looking down on the top of the processingcup and a portion of the film track there-adjacent,

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on lines 44 ofFig. 3 and showing the flood switch,

Fig. 5 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 and looking fromthe right-hand end of Fig. 1 or into the projector beam,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail, partly in section, showing the reservoirsfor the processing solutions and the valve mechanism for controlling thefiow of measured quantities of the solutions into the processing cup,

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view showing the apparatus as actually setup for use in photographing the cathode ray tube of a radar receiver,

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8 of Fig. 1,and showing the projector system of the apparatus.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 99 of Fig. l, andshowing the manner of lifting the processing cup prior to movement ofthe film,

Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical section of a preferred embodiment of theprocessing cup,

Fig. 11 is an enlarged vertical section taken across the film gate ofthe projector part of the apparatus and showing the means for cooling,drying, and flattening the film during the projection thereof.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic showing of the control circuit for theapparatus,

Fig. 13 is a cam timing chart for the apparatus,

Fig. 14 is a schematic illustration of a modification in the controlcircuit of the apparatus if the exposure of the film is to be controlledby a shutter, as it could be in the present application, and

Fig. 15 is a vertical section showing another embodiment of filmprocessing cup which could be used.

Like reference characters refer to corresponding parts throughout thespecifications and drawings.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 7, a. 16-min. perforated film F is fed from asupply reel H1 in a light-tight film retort l I over a sprocket l2 intoa film track l3, emulsion side up, to an exposing station and processinstation. The film retort and the exposure and processing stations areenclosed in a light-tight housing M, one wall of which, see Figs. 5 and7, may constitute a door l5 to permit access to the interior of thehousing for threading the film through the apparatus.

At the exposure station the film is positioned above an objective lens16 which is screwed into the bottom wall of the housing M. The len isfocused on the radar screen, or cathode ray tube, shown at S in Fig. 7,and forms an image of the screen surface through the transparent filmbase and onto the emulsion surface of the film. As clearly shown inFigs. 2 and 4, the film track I3 may comprise a lower plate I! having alongitudinal groove therein slightly deeper than the thickness of thefilm, and precisely the width of the film to confine the latter againstlateral shift, said plate having a cover plate I8 lying on top thereofto form a tunnel for the film. The lower plate I! of the track isprovided with an exposure aperture [9 covered by a glass plate l9, seeFigs. 2 and 10, through which the image of the screen passes to thefilm.

The processing of the exposed area of the film is adapted to commenceimmediately after the exposure is completed and without moving the filmfrom the exposure station. To do this, the processing means, which willbe fully described hereinafter, includes an open-ended processing cup2|], best shown in Fig. 10, which is adapted to move into and out ofliquid tight engagement with the emulsion surface of the film through ahole 2| in the cover plate l8 of the film track. This cup is disposeddirectly above the exposure lens and is of such a size and shap as toencircle the area of the emulsion surface which has been exposed. Afterthe cup has been moved into engagement with the film, and the exposedemulsion surface of the film constitutes a liquidtight bottom for thecup, small measured quantities of two different processing solutions aresuccessively introduced into the cup and removed therefrom and from thefilm surface, being allowed to remain in the cup for a given timenecessary to accomplish the processing of the film.

After the exposed area of the film has been processed and the lastsolution used has been completely removed from the film surface, the cupis automatically raised from engagement with the film, and then a filmfeeding means, including a quarter-turn sprocket 8!], is automaticallyreleased to feed the film by an amount sufficient to advance saidexposed and processed area of film into a projecting means where theimage is projected approximately 360 times magnified onto a suitableviewing screen, not shown. The procedure is a continuous one so that anyone image area remains in the projector during the time a successivearea is being exposed and processed, and is then moved on to a suitabletake-up means, shown as a box B in Fig. 7, by the advance of the nextimage into the projector gate.

With the present apparatus it takes approximately 13.5 seconds toprocess an exposed area of film so that if it be assumed that the sweeptime of the radar screen is 15 seconds, as it is in certainapplications, and this is the exposure time, then it takes 28.5 secondsto make an exposure and process it for projection, and a successiveimage is projected every 28.5 seconds. The time of the cycle is extendedby the long exposure peof this apparatus where instantaneous exposuresare possible, thenthe picture could be taken and could be projectedsubstantially .in 13.5 seconds overall time.

Having generally outlined the purpose and function of the apparatus, wewill now consider the details of several features of the apparatus andtheir relationship to one another'which renders the apparatus entirelyautomatic in operation.

Exposing means The film exposing means of the embodiment of theapparatus designed for use with radar is very simple and simplycomprises the objective lens it and the apertured film-track whichserves to hold the film fiat in the focal plane of the lens. No shutteris required, but the lens is open all of the time, and the exposure timeis determined by the time required in making one sweep of the radarscreen and which in turn is depend out upon the sweep time of thetransmitting an tenna of the radar transmitter. 'The radar screen hasthe desired grid electronically impressed thereon at all times and abright spot appears on the screen only when an object intercepts thetransmitted radar beam and reflects it back to the receiver. Therotation of the spot on the grid of the screen permits the direction andrange of the object to be calculated. Inasmuch as the lens is open atall times, the second exposure of an area of film is made while the onepreviously made is being processed, but since the instant the developingsolution strikes the emulsion surface, which is practically the instantthe exposure is completed, the sensitivity of the surface to light isgreatly reduced, this second exposure has little or no deleteriouseffect on the exposure which was first made and is being processed. Aswill be pointed out hereinafter, if it were desired, or

necessary, in certain applications of the apparatus other than inrecording radar images, a shutter, or equivalent exposure determiningmeans, could be used. In such a case, the shutter would be open just solong as necessary to make the exposure and could be closed during theprocessing step to preclude the danger of doubleexposure possibilities.If a shutter were used,

then the processing operation would be instigated in timed relation tothe operation of the shutter. The shutter would be opened at a time whena fresh area of film is moved into its exposing position and/or when anew scene or copy, which is to be photographed comes into the field ofthe lens, Such a modification will be discussed more in detail below.

Processing means temperature which can be used by the rate ofdecomposition of the solution--that is, they can be greatly elevated intemperature for only short periods before the exposure. Since mostcommonly used processing methods entail heating the whole, or asubstantial part of the processing bath, thetemperatures which can bepractically tolerated are sometimes limited. With the system ofprocessing :used in thise'qui'pment, only a very. small :.quantity:ofthesolution isused and then is discarded. *It is, therefore, onlynecessary tolheatthat part of the chemical supply which is to be usedimmediately, and thus before decomposition becomes appreciable, thesolution is used and discarded.

Processing operations :are so much more accelerated'at very hightemperatures to 200 F), that, for reproducible results, close controlmust be exercised over .the application, timing, and removal of thesolutions. This :is readily accomplished with the .-processing:apparatuswe have designed and which will'now be discussed in detail.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 2, 3, 9, and 10, the processingmeans includes the processing cup 20, which, as best shown in Fig. 10,is open at both ends and is movable relativelto the film track to move:a lip .23 :thereon into and out .of liq=uid-tight engagement with theemulsion surface of the film. The .cup is of such size and shape thatthe lip .23 encircles the area which has been exposed. When the cup isin its operative position it rests with its lip on the surface of thefilm and with its axisnorma'l'to that surface. Each of the processingsolutions is run into the enclosed space through-the open top of the cupand is subsequently removed by passing through the slit orifice 24located close to the film surface. The action and position of theorifice is such that the surface of the film is left free of looseor-superfiuousliquid.

In its simplest form the processing cup consists of two concentriccylinders 25 and 26 with a space between them forminga chamber 21 whichcommunicates with the :interior of the cup through the orifice 24 andwhichis closed at the other end by the threaded connection between thetwo cylinders. At the open (the bottom end with the present dispositionof the cup) end, the outer cylinder 25 rests on the emulsion surface ofthe film while the .inner cylinder 26 is shorter so as to form theslitorifice'24. It goes without saying that the walls 25 and 26 of the cupcould be integral rather than separate and threadedly connected togetheras shown, and that the orifice could be formed therein by cuttingthrough the inner wall at the location indicated without going beyondthe scope of the present invention. However, we have found theillustrated and above-described method of fabricating this cup to bepreferable from the practical standpoint. The outer cylinder is providedwith a port 28 which is connected by a tube v29 to a source of vacuum orlow pressure. In the present instance this source of vacuum is the lowpressure side of a conventional motor driven compressor unit C shown inFig. 7 and mounted on the floor next to a table on which the apparatusis supported vertically above the radar screen of a radar receivingunit. Then when vacuum is applied to chamber 27, any solution containedin the central portion of the cup will be drawn off through the slitorifice, into the chamber 21, and then into a waste liquid collectingcontainer 30 connected in the vacuum'line 29 ahead of the compressor.

It is desirable, however, to shape the bottom of the outer cylinder ofthe processing cup so that it presents a knife edge which rests flatagainst the surface of the film, as shown in Fig. 10. Thus no cornersare present in which the liquid might collect and fail to be drawnoifwith the bulk of the solution. The action of the knife edge and'orificeclose to the film surface is to allow the air stream to skim the lasttrace of liquid radially off the film and then to more or less dry theenclosed film surface. It is further desirable that the knife edge andfilm contact surface of the lip 23 of the cup, which might be damaged,be simply replaceable. One way of accomplishing this is shown in Fig. 10wherein the lip 23 is shown as a ring separate from the outer cylinder25 and attached to the end thereof by a threaded retaining ring 3|. Inorder to facilitate manufacture of the replaceable lip, and to reducepossible damage to film surfaces thereby, it has been found desirable tomake the lip 23 of a plastic material (Lucite).

Small areas are completely cleared of liquid by simply applying a vacuumto the chamber 21 as described. Larger areas are cleared equally well,however, by directing one or more streams of air or other gas, underpressure at the center of the film area to move the liquid residue closeenough to the orifice to permit its final removal by vacuum.Furthermore, positive pressure alone (without vacuum) can be used;however, depending on the dimensions of the unit, it may be necessary toclose the top of the cup to maintain sufficient pressure and. to preventthe solution from being blown about during removal.

Another method of using this processing cup exists in which pressure isapplied in the opposite direction to that already described, causing theair, or other gas, to slzim the sur ace of the enclosed. space radiallyfrom the edge to the center. In this case it is first necessary toremove the bulk of the solution by vacuum through another orifice closeto the film, located at the point of convergence oi the air from thesurrounding slit orifice. Then the residue adhering to the surface isinored radially by the air from the surrounding slit orifice to the areawhich is cleared by the vacuum orifice. Such a modification of theinvention is shown in Fig. wherein is shown a cup composed of twoconcentric cylinders and 26 threaded together at one end and having anannular chamber 2? between them communicating with tne interior of thecup through a slit ori-- ice 24'. It will be noticed that the filmengaging lip 23' in this instance is formed integral with the outercylinder instead of being a part separate therefrom as in the preferredembodiment. In this case, the port 213 is adapted to be connected with asource of high pressure, and disposed in the center of the cup isconduit 32 which is adapted to be connected with the source of vacuum.r'ls shown, the end of the conduit 32 is close in the area of. the filmsurface embraced by the cup during periods of evacuation, but can bemoved away from the film with the cup during periods of film movement,or it can be individually moved from the film during processing.

Processing solutions are stored in reservoirs disposed above theprocessing cup, and small measured quantities thereof are introducedinto the open end of the cup in timed relation through tubes alter beingheated to a high temperature. In the present instance, the processing ofthe exposed film is carried out by first introducing the developingsolution to the cup, allowing it to rep uin there for a given interval,evacuating the cup, then applying a fixing solution to the cup, allowingit to remain there for a given time, evacuating the cup, then rinsingwith the developer solution, and finally evacuating the cup prior tomovement of the film to the projecting means.

Accordingly, referring to Figs. 2, 6, and 9, the processing apparatusincludes two identical reservoirs 33 and 33 for storing developer andfixing solutions, respectively, and which reservoirs are mounted abovethe processing cup on a vertical needles of which extend through the topof the iziousing :4. The solutions are adapted to be fed from therespective reservoirs to the processing cup by conduits {it and 35 whichterminate in jets 3i and 37 disposed adjacent to and above the top openend of the cup. Flow of the respective solutions from their reservoirsinto the conduits is controlled by needle valves 38 and 38, the needlesof which extend through the top of the reservoirs and are pivotallyconnected at 39 and 355 to the plungers of solenoids 40 and 40,respectively. The compression springs acting on the plungers of thesolenoids act to normally close these valves. Each of the needle valvesis opened by energization of the solenoids and the duration and extentof opening of the valves control the amount of solution allowed to flowinto the conduits and, subsequently, the amount of flow into theprocessing cup.

To provide for heating only the small quantity of processing solutionneeded for a processing step, and immediately prior to using them, theioliowing means has been designed. Each of the conduits 38 and 36includes a metal section iii, or other heat conducting material, wh h.is imbcdded in a metal block or heat exn er This block is heated byelectric-rod heaters, indicated at 43, and maintained at a predeterminedtemperature (approximately F.) by means of a thermostatic regulator M. Athermometer 515 may be imbedded in the block to indicate the temperaturethereof. For processing purposes, only about one-third cc. of theprocessing solutions are introduced into the cup at a time, and the sizeof the metal sections 4|, 4| hf the conduit is such that they willcontain just slightly greater volume of solution than is used for anyprocessing step. It is pointed out that if desired. the block ll?! couldbe made of stainless st l, or other material inert to processingsolutions, and then the solution can be piped directly and out of boresin the block thus eliminating the use of the metal sections 4!, 4| ofthe solution conduits.

After each solution has remained on the film face for a given time toaccomplish its chemi cal action. and. before introducing the othersolution into the cup, or before advancing the processed film to theprojecting means, the cup is evacuated and the film surface is freed ofall superfluous liquid by vacuum in the manner to be described. Asmentioned above, the port 28 of the processing cup 2%] is connected tothe low pressure side of a compressor unit by a vacuum line 29. Thisline includes a normally closed needle valve 47, mounted on the base ofthe housing i l, and wh ch valve is adapted to be opened by a sclenciit,see Figs. 1 and 2, the plunger of which is pivotally connected to theneedle 4! of the valve. Thus the cup 20 will be connected to the vacuumsupply only when the solenoid 46 is energized. The solenoids 4D, 40 and46 are automatically operated in times relation by a timing means to belater described.

After an exposed area of film is completely processed it is directlymoved into the projecting means, but, to prevent the film surface andthe lip of the cup from being damaged, the cup and film must beseparated prior to and during the film movement. While this step couldate of the projection means. The-dwells of the film feeding means aresuch as to allow the film to remain stationary long enough to effect theexposure and the processing step, and the opera tion of the film feedingmeans is automatic and in timed relation to the exposure and processingsteps.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 2, and 5 the film feeding means includes arelatively large driving sprocket 80 the teeth of which are adapted toengage the film perforations. The film is adapted to be held in drivingengagement with the sprocket by means of a conventional springpressedguide roller assembly 8|. The drive for this sprocket comprises aconstant speed electric motor M which is geared to a drive shaft 82 anda one-quarter turn clutch 83 between the drive shaft and the sprocket.As well known, this type of clutch includes a driving member and adriven member which are connected together so that so long as the drivenmember is held against rotation the driven and driving members aredisconnected from one another, but when the driven member is released,the two are immediately con nected in driving relation. Rather than theclutch being of the well-known friction type, we prefer to use apositive engaging clutch such as those used on punch presses, or such asthose including balls which are mounted in a cam slot in one clutchmember and normally spring pressed into wedging position between theclutch members.

The clutch 83, therefore, includes a driving member 84 and a drivenmember 85 each positively fixed to the drive shaft and sprocket,respectively. There are four ratchet teeth 86 extending from theperiphery of the driven member and disposed in quadrant relationthereon. A pawl 81 pivoted at 88 on the base plate of the apparatus isadapted to move into and out of the path of the ratchet teeth 86, andwhen it engages a tooth it positively holds the driven member of theclutch and the sprocket and disconnects the sprocket 80 from the driveshaft. The free end of the pawl is pivoted at 89 to the plunger 90 of asolenoid SI, the spring 92 of which normally moves the pawl into contactwith the periphery of the driven member and consequently into the pathof the ratchet teeth. Accordingly when the solenoid is momentarilyenergized the pawl is moved from the path of the tooth with which it isin engagement and is allowed then to return to its normal position tostop the sprocket after a quarter revolution. The diameter of thesprocket B6 is such that a quarter revolution thereof serves to advancean exposed area of film from the processing station into the film gateof the projector.

Rather than have the sprocket 80 pull the film directly from the supplyroll I0, we have found that the tension of the film can be reduced ifthe film is pulled from the supply reel by the supplementary sprocket I2mounted between the retort I I and the end of the film track. Thepurpose of this sprocket is merely to feed the film from the retort intoa supply loop 94 and from which the drive sprocket 80 pulls it. Thesprocket 93 is fixed on a shaft 95 which is in turn geared to a singlerevolution cam shaft 96, to be described later, so that the speed ofthis sprocket is sufiicient to maintain the film loop.

Control circuit In order to make this apparatus automatic in operation,even to the taking of successive exposu-res and processing them, thefollowing control circuit has been designed. Referring to Figs. 1, 5,and 12, the control circuit includes main lines Hi8 and till which areadapted to be connected to a 1l0-volt A. C. source of power. and whichcircuit is controlled by a manual switch N12. The rod heaters 43 and apilot lamp I03 parallel therewith are connected across lines Hill andIfll with switch Ill-4! of the thermostatic regulator 46 in seriestherewith. The heaters can be turned on independently of the rest of theapparatus to bring the block 62 up to temperature by closing switch Thepilot lamp is provided to indicate to the operator that the heaters areon, and when the light flashes on and off it is an indication that thesteel block is up to temperature and the apparatus can be used. Alsoconnected across the lines on and NH are the blower motor forventilating the lamphouse, the projection lamp 6i the motor for thecompressor unit C, and the drive motor M, each controlled by manuallyoperated switches 99, 105, and Ill! respectively.

A line connected at junction N39 with the main line fill, and line Illconnected at junction iii, with main line if!!! comprise a solenoid, ora secondary circuit. This solenoid circuit, can be cut off from the maincircuit by opening switch R2 of relay R, but since this relay isnormally open, the solenoid circuit is normally alive. The solenoids 43, d0, 46, 53 and 9|, previously described, are connected in parallelacross the solenoid circuit, and connected in series with each is amicro-switch which is normally spring pressed to a closed position butis held open by a cam having notches in its periphery to allow itsassociated switch to close at prescribed intervals and for givendurations.

In the drawings we have designated the switch in series with thesolenoid 46 controlling the vacuum line as Sv and the cam holding itopen. as Cv; the switch in series with the solenoid 4i! controlling thevalve for pouring developer as Sc and the cam holding it open ascontrolling the valve for pouring the fixing solution as Si and the camholding it open as Cr; the switch in series with the solenoid 53 forraising the processing cup as Sc and the cam holding it open as Co; andthe switch in series with the solenoid 9| controlling the film advanceas S. and. the cam for holding it open as Ca. As shown in Figs. 1 and 5the five microswitches SI), Sc, Sc. Sc, and S9. are mounted in a line inspaced relation along the base of the apparatus adjacent the cam shaft95, and on which each of the cams Cc. Cd, Cr, Co, and Co, are fixed torotate therewith. Each micro-switch includes a control arm IE2 which hasa roller H3 and the end thereof engaging the periphery of the cam withwhich the switch is associated. As clearly shown in Fig. 12, eachmicro-switch is held open by its associated cam and each cam includesone or more notches which permits the closing of its associated switchin proper timed relation and for given intervals to effect the automaticprocessing of an exposed area of film and the advance of the same to theprojection means.

The drive for the cam shaft includes a drive shaft He which is geared tothe drive shaft 82 through a worm wheel. I I5 and a worm I I6. The driveshaft H4 is, therefore, constantly driven so long as motor M isoperating. The cam shaft is connected to the drive shaft H4 through aone-revolution clutch H! which is preferably of the same type as clutch83 previously described. The driven member H8 of this clutch includes :anotch or ratchet tooth (not shown) on its periphery which is adapted tobe engaged at the end of each revolution by the nose of a pivoted lpawlI 20. This pawl 121i is connected to the plunger-of a solenoid I2 whichwhen momentarily energized pulls the pawl. to a release position.Thespring 1'22 'of the solenoid plunger moves the pawl against theperiphery of the driven member of the clutch so that :it will engage andstop the same on the completion of a single .revolutionof the cam shaft.

:Itwill thus be seen that'dur-ing each revolution of the camshaft96:eaoh-of the five control cams thereon take over the automaticprocessing of an exposed area of film which-includes the step ofintroducing the developer to the processing cup anda'llowing it toremain ithereon for a given time, evacuating the developer from the:cup, pouring the fixing solution into the cup, allowing lit to remaintherein for a :given time, evacua'ting fixer from the cup, again pouringdevol oper iinto the cup for rinsing :purposes, allowing it to remaintherein ior a given time, evacuating developer from =the:cup and dryingthe film, lift-- ing the cup and advancing the film, each in the ordermentioned.

in Fig. 1 8 the :cam timing chart for this sequence of operations isshown with each of the cams :shown extended along a line marked indegrees :and the cam designation being indicated a a't the leiltoi thechart. Thehatched areas show the relative localtionofthe notches in theseveral. cams and. their flengtlis degrees which control the duration ofienerg ization of the solenoid controlled thereby. It will be noticedthat the cam Cd controlling the valve in the tube to the developersupply includes two spaced notches. because developer solution isintroduced into the cup twice, during each processing operation. The

cam Ca controlling the valve in the vacuum line includes three spacednotches because the cup has to be evacuated three times, the last beingthe most :eiitended, in duration because it is at this step that thefilm is to be cleared of all superfluous l iquid prior to being movedinto the projector. The cams Cc. Cc. Cseac'h include only one notchapiece because during each processing step the fixing solution isintroduced only once the 0111?) is lifted only once and the film isadvanced only once. The notch in cam '02, controlling the film advanceis only long enough to perm t impulse operation of the solenoid 9!,because after the quarter turn clutch 83 is released the pawl 8 must beallowed to immediately return to its docking position 'to again. stopthe -'spro. :'ket -80 after it has advanced the processed area of filminto the film gate of the projector and has, at the same time, advanceda new area of fiilm into exposure and processing position.

With -the present arrangement, "the complete processingcycle, includingthe film advance, takes approximately 13.5 seconds, or one revolution ofthe cam shaft-96 takes 135 seconds. Therefore. since the radar equipmentunder consideration has a IS-second sweep time, which is the exposuretime of the present apparatus, then a previously exposed areaisprocessed and the :fil-m is advanced in time to allow-a new exposure 'tobe started at the beginning-of anew sweep of the-radar'screen. To thi'sendfithe solenoid circuit is controlled by a normally cpen switch 1'24"which is momentarily closed'atthe completion of each BSD-degree sweepof the radar screen, or at the end of each exposure period. This can beaccomplished in differentwayslbut we have chosen toshow it done :bymeans-of .a cam which may be carried on the radar antenna to rotatetherewith, see Fig. 12. When the-cam :I25 closes switch 126 momentarilythe solenoid I21 is energized long enough to pull pawl from engagementwith the driven member N8 of theone-revolution clutch H1 and thusrelease theicam shaft 96 for one revolution.

To permit threading of the apparatus, and the run off of filmwhich'would be fogged during this operation, it is desirable to speed upthe advance of the film, or eliminate the 15-second delay involved inthe use of the input signal from the radar equipment. To this end, theswitch [24 is shunted by a line containing a normally open, but manuallyoperabletsteady run switch I26 which when :held closed manually willcutout the exposure cycle of 15 seconds and speed up the film advance toa 13.5 second operation. During this time the input signal switch '12!:in series with the switch 524 is opened and left open and is againclosed to synchronize the operation of the apparatus with :the radarequipment when it is ready to operate.

Safety or supervisory circuit If for any reason the film should becomeflooded due 1130 faulty operation of the processing .appara tus then theprocessing part of the apparatus should be shutoff'and the vacuumline-should be opened to clean up the solution from the film track.Also, the processing part of the apparatus should beautomatically cutoffwhen the end of the film approaches the processing cup for as Soon asthe film is exhausted there is nothing to close the bottom of the cupand any solution introduced thereinto would flow .all over the filmtrack.

To this end, the controlcircuit-of the apparatus includes asafety-orsupervisory circuit which will cut the solenoid circuit, or allof the circuitscontrolling the processing steps, off the main circuitand the source'of power. Referring to Fig. 12

i this safety or supervisory circuit includes thesecondary of atransformer Hill which isconnectedto the primary circuit, a flood switch13!, a film switch I32 and thecoil-oi a relay Rinclud-ing three switchesR1, R2, and-Rs which assume the position shown in Fig. 12 when switchesI31 or I32 are open. When either one of the switches !3.! or 132'.closes, thecoilof-relay Risenerg-ized. This causes switch R1 to closeand a hold-in circuit for the coil .of .the relay is completed so thateven if V switches IilI :01'132 againopen the ,complete apparatus has tobe manually shut .down to reset the circuit to .its normal.operatingcondition. At the same time switch R2 is thrown to its otherpole and this cuts the solenoid circuit from the primary circuit and thesource of power and causes a red pilot lamp IM- to light. Nhenswitch R3closes, this connects the solenoid .46 to the main primary circuitindependently .of its microswitch and this causes the valve in thevacuum line to open-and stay open to clean up any .flood which mighthave taken place on the film track.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4.. one contact of the flood switch comprises ametal feeler I33 which is slid'ably mounted in a casing I34 ofinsulating material which is mounted in a vertical position on the coverplate iii of the film track just past the processing cup 2c in thedirection. of movement of the film. This metal 'feeler is forceddownwardly by a coil-spring I35 so that it presses against theemulsionsurface of the film adjacent the line of perforations, one beingshown at P in Fig. 4. This feeler is connected into the circuit by meansof a wire I36 which is connected to a metal spring retaining capl3!screwed onto the top of the casing and directly engaging the spring. Theother contact of the flood switch is the base plate I I! of the filmtrack I3. So long as no flood conditions exist, the plate I1 and thefeeler I33 are separated by the film F which is an insulating medium andthe switch is open. However, just as soon as a fiood condition exists,the solution will fill the film perforations, and acting as anelectrolyte will effectively connect the feeler I33 and the plate I! toclose the safety circuit and energize the coil of relay R.

As shOWn in Fig. 2, the film switch comprises a base ll! of the filmtrack and a roller I38 mounted on the end of a pivoted arm I39 normallyspring-pressed into engagement with the plate IT. The roller I38 extendsthrough an opening I40 in the cover plate I8 of the film track and willride on the surface of the film and be separated from plate I! so longas there is film in the track. However, just as soon as the end of thefilm passes from under the roller I38 then this roller will drop downonto plate I! and close the circuit.

It is believed that the operation of the apparatus will be clear fromthe above'description, but for the sake of review, a brief resume of theactual steps necessary to set the apparatus into operation will now beset forth. The solution heater may be turned on without turning on themain switch which supplies power to most of the circuits as well as thecompressor motor. It is well to do this before starting to load theapparatus with film, as it takes a few minutes for the heat exchangerblock to come up to temperature. When the green pilot light, in parallelwith the heaters, turns off, then on and off intermittently, the blockis up to temperature.

The film is loaded in the camera, emulsion side up as it comes from thefilm retort. About 12 inches of film is pulled out of the retort and thesquared end of the film is criinped down slightly to facilitatethreading. The camera may be threaded without removing the cover platefrom the film track by pushing film through, raising the developing cupby pushing down on the outer end of the cup arm, and then threadingunder the advancing sprocket guide rollers.

It requires about development cycles to clear the fogged film out of thecamera after the door of the housing is closed. This may be done byclosing the steady-run switch I26, or by tying back the cam shaftsolenoid pawl I20. Run in this manner, one cycle occurs about every 13.5seconds. To synchronize with radar receiver, the steady-run switch I26is opened and switch IN is closed. Now one development cycle will occurevery 30 seconds because the cycle will include a 15-second exposureperiod, or a complete 360- degree sweep of the radar screen, but allsubsequent exposures, processing steps, and projecting steps will becompletely automatic.

While we have shown this automatic recording and projecting apparatus inconnection with a radar installation, it is pointed out that this isonly one specific application of many which the apparatus is adaptedfor. The apparatus could be used to record and project in a short timean enlarged image of any subject or phenomenon which could not be viewedconveniently because of small size, inaccessibility, and/or falling offof the image forming the subject. Therefore, the possible uses of thisapparatus include: (1)

Recordak office installation for quick processing and rapid selection,(2) X-ray examination of parts in production, replacing fiuoroscopy, (3)quick recordings of cathode ray oscilloscope data, and (4) quickexamination of light-sensitive film coating.

In connection with the last-mentioned possible application of thisapparatus, it is pointed out that the physical characteristics oflight-sensitive coatings on film are critical and it is now commonpractice to make infra red exposures in the dark coating rooms of thecoatings as they leave the coating machines in order to check theoperation of the coating machines. Such exposures have to be taken tothe darkroom and processed in the conventional manner, and it is amatter of minutes before the picture is ready for examination. If it isthen found that the coating is unsatisfactory and that an adjustment ofthe machine is required to correct the difficulty, then all of the filmwhich has been run through in the meantime has to be wasted. With thepresent apparatus, the taking lens could be focused on the coating pathat all times and an exposure could be made at regular intervals andimmediately processed to tell the story in about 15 seconds, rather thana matter of minutes. Consequently, a poor coating could be detected andcorrected before any appreciable quantity of film had run through themachine and had to be thrown away. With such an apparatus, the switch I25 could be controlled by a cam operating at regular cycles and actingto turn on the infrared light to make the exposure.

In most applications of this apparatus, other than the radar usedisclosed, or where the subject as a whole is present at one time andcan be instantaneously exposed, the exposure will be controlled by aconventional shutter in covering relation with the taking lens, or by aset of lights which will be turned on and off the subject to effect theexposure. In this instance, the exposure will be instigated by thepositioning of a fresh film into position in the camera, or by thepositioning of the copy in the field of the lens,

and the processing step will be instigated at a given time after theoperation of the shutter.

In Fig. 14 we have shown what modification of the apparatus would benecessary to adapt the same for the photographing, processing, andprojecting of an enlarged image of a copy. The taking lens I6 is shownequipped with a conventional between-the-lens type of shutter I of theautomatic type which is adapted to be tripped by a solenoid I5I. Thepower to operate this solenoid may emanate from the secondary of atransformer I52 connected to the primary circuit of the apparatus, or aseparate source of power may be provided. The solenoid circuit mayinclude normally open switch I53 shown as a microswitch, which isadapted to be closed by the leading end of the copy being fed into thefield of the lens by any suitable means, not shown. In Fig. 14 a copyI54 is fed into the photographing field in the direction indicated bythe arrow and when the leading edge I 55 thereof strikes the roller I56on the end of a pivoted arm I57, the arm is raised to close the microswitch and the solenoid I5I is energized and trips the shutter. At thesame time the solenoid is energized to trip the shutter, a self-settingtimer I58 of the conventional type, and connected in the solenoidcircuit, is energized and the actuating member thereof would closeswitch I24 of the apparatus to start the processing cycle. It will beunderstood that the shutter will 17 beset for a given exposure speed andthe timer will be set in accordance therewith to start the processingstep immediately upon the completion of the exposure. If the lightingconditions are such that the exposure couldbe made instantaneously (e.g. 1 sec. or faster) then the switch I24 could: be cl ed; imultan ouslywith the trippi of the shutter by the solenoid. [,5], since the lag inthe operation of the parts of the processing apparatus and their controlcircuit would probably be greater than the exposure period. This wouldeliminate the need for the timer I58 or its. eq valent. It will thus beappreciated that the exposure time and/or time of starting theprocessing step could be controlled in any number of Ways to make theapparatus adapted for a wide number of uses other than the radarapplication disclosed for purposes of setting forth the invention.

Although we have shown and described certain specific embodiments of ourinvention, we are aware that many modifications, thereof are'possible.Our invention, therefore, is not to be limited tov the precise detailsand construction shown and described, but is intended to cover allmodifications.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent of the United States. is:

1. Film processin apparatus comprising a processing cup having anopen-end of a shape and size to encircle an area of a light-sensitivesurface of film which it is desired to process, the open-end of said cupterminating in a lip which is adapted to engage the surface of the filmto form a liquid-tight joint therewith, a wall fixed to and spaced fromthe wall of said cup to provide a closed chamber extending around saidcup, the wall of said chamber provided with an orifice placing theinterior of said cup in communication with said chamber, said orificeextending around the open end of said cup and disposed so that therestricted end thereof enters the interior of the cup adjacent the lipthereof, and a port through the outside wall of said cup and incommunication with said chamber to permit the introduction, or removalof fluid into and from said chamber, respectively.

2. A film processing apparatus according to claim 1 in which said lip isseparate from the cup proper, and means for detachably connecting saidlip to the wall of said cup.

3. A film processing apparatus according to claim 1 in which saidorifice extends downwardly at an angle to the open end of said cup andtoward the center of the cup, and the restricted end thereof liesimmediately adjacent the film engaging portion of said lip of the cup.

4. A film processing apparatus according to claim 1 in which saidorifice extends downwardly at an angle to the open end of said cup andtoward the center of the cup, said lip having an inclined surfaceforming one wall of said orifice and terminating in a knife edge with aplane surface on said lip which is adapted to engage the film surface.

5. Film processing apparatus comprising a double walled cup open at oneend, said walls being in spaced relation to provide a closed chamberthrough which fluid is adapted to pass in moving between the interiorand exterior of said cup; the open end of said cup terminating in a lipadapted to engage the sensitive surface of a film and form aliquid-tight joint therewith, and adapted to bound a given area of thefilm surface which it is desired to Proce he wall or said chamber beingprovided with an orifice placing the interior of said cup incommunication with said chamber, said orifice inclined downwardly andtoward the center of the open end of said cup and having its restrictedend located adjacent to the film engaging portion of said lip, and aport in the outer wall; of said cup at a point removed from said orificeto permit the introduction or removal ofa fluid into and from saidchamber, respectively.

6-. Film processing apparatus according to claim 5 in which said lipconstitutes a part of the outer wall of said cup and. the inner surfacethereof constitutes one wall' of said orifice the lower end of saidinner wall being spaced from the inner surface of said lip andconstituting the other wall of said orifice.

*7. Film processingapparatus according to claim 5 in which said lip isseparate from the cup and adapted to be detachabl y connected to thelower end of the outer wall thereof, said lip including an innerinclined surface which constitutes one wall of said orifice, the otherwall of said orifice being formed by an inclined end on the inner wallof saidcu-p which is spaced from said inner surface of said lip.

8'. Film processing apparatus according to claim 5, and including meansseparate from saidchamher for introducing processing solutions into theinterior ofsaid cup.

9. Film processing apparatus according to claim 5 in which the interiorof said cup is open at the other end to permit the introduction and/orremoval of a solution relative to the interior of said cup.

10. Film processing apparatus according to claim 5 in which the interiorof said cup is open at the other end and said port is adapted to beconnected to a source of air under pressure; means for introducingquantities of processing solutions into the interior of said cup; andmeans for removing said solutions from said cup and the surface of thefilm associated therewith, said means including a tube having one endextending into the open end of said cup and terminating at a point justshort of the plane of the film engaging surfaces of said lip and locatedsub stantially in the center of said cup; said tube adapted to beconnected with a vacuum for removing the solutions as they are forced tothe central area of the cup by air entering the same through saidorifice.

11. In an apparatus for processing the exposed area of film thecombination of an open-ended processing cup; means for moving said cupand film into and out of operative relationship where in the emulsionsurface of said film is in liquid tight engagement with the bottom endof said cup and the exposed area of said surface is confined by saidcup; reservoirs for the individual processing solutions; means forconducting measured quantities of each of said solutions from saidreservoirs into the open top of said cup and including a heat-exchangerwhich is adapted to raise and hold said measured volumes of solutions toan elevated temperature immediately prior to their introduction intosaid cup.

12. In an apparatus for processing the exposed area of film thecombination of an open-ended processing cup; means for moving said cupand film into and out of operative relationship wherein the emulsionsurface of said film is in liquid-tight engagement with the bottom endof said cup and the exposed area of said surface is confined by Saidcup; reservoirs for the individual processing solutions; means forconducting measured quantities of each of said solutions from saidreservoirs into the open top of said cup and including a heat-exchangerwhich is adapted to raise and hold said measured volumes of solutions toan elevated temperature immediately prior to their introduction intosaid cup, and means for introducing a measured quantity of saidsolutions into that portion of said conducting means including saidheatexchanger and causing the displacement of the volume of solutionpreviously introduced into said cup.

13. In an apparatus for processing the exposed area of film thecombination of an open-ended processing cup; means for moving said cupand film into and out of operative relationship wherein the emulsionsurface of said film is in liquid-tight engagement with the bottom endof said cup and the exposed area of said surface is confined by saidcup; reservoirs for the individual processing solutions; means forconducting measured quantities of each of said solutions from saidreservoirs into the open top of said cup and including a heat-exchangerwhich is adapted to raise and hold said measured volumes of solutions toan elevated temperature immediately prior to their introduction intosaid cup, and means for creating a difference of pressure within the cupand localizing the effect of said difference in pressure at the bottomof the cup and adjacent the film surface to rapidly evacuate said cupand remove the solution from the cup and the surface of the film.

CLIFTON M. TUTTLE. CHARLES J. KUNZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following referen ces are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 989,839 Fowler Apr. 18, 19181,728,361 Pifer Sept. 17, 1929 1,825,126 Powers Sept. 29, 1931 1,889,425S'orensen Nov. 29, 1932 1,904,551 Smith Apr. 18, 1933 1,928,235 TaylorSept. 26, 1933 1,964,257 Gilmore June 26, 1934 2,055,215 Dreyer Sept.22, 1936 2,067,933 Krupa Jan. 19, 1937 2,140,438 Webster Dec. 13, 19382,203,382 Davis June 4, 1940 2,218,656 Pifer Oct. 22, 1940 2,221,055Lundegardh Nov. 12, 1940 2,327,733 Moore Aug. 24, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTSNumber Country Date 615,249 France Oct. 4, 1926 589,453 Germany Dec.1933 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,476,007 July 12, 1949CLIFTON M. TUTTLE ET AL.

It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 8, line 6, for the Words needles of Which extend through readsupport- *ing bracket 35 fixed to; column 12, line 44, beforecontrolling insert 0 the switch in series with the solenoid 40 and thatthe said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections thereinthat the same may conform to the record of the case in the PatentOffice.

Signed and sealed this 20th day of December, A. D. 1949.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents.

Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,476,007 July 12, 1949 CLIFTON M.TUTTLE ET AL.

It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 8, line 6, for the Words needles of which extend through readsupporting bracket 35 fixed to; column 12, line 44, before controllinginsert 0 the switch in series with the solenoid 40' and that the saidLetters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that thesame may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 20th day of December, A. D. 1949.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents.

